Which type of hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve?

Sensorineural hearing loss is characterized by damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve. This type of hearing loss occurs when the hair cells within the cochlea (inner ear) are damaged or when there is an issue along the auditory pathway that carries sound information to the brain. Such damage can result from various factors, including aging, exposure to loud noises, infections, or genetic predispositions. Individuals with sensorineural hearing loss often experience difficulties in understanding speech and may notice reduced sound clarity, as this type of hearing loss affects both the sensitivity to sounds as well as the ability to perceive certain frequencies.

In contrast, conductive hearing loss involves problems in the outer or middle ear that hinder sound transmission to the inner ear, such as earwax buildup or fluid in the middle ear. Mixed hearing loss combines elements of both sensorineural and conductive hearing loss, indicating issues in both the inner ear and outer/middle ear structures. Transient hearing loss usually refers to temporary reductions in hearing capability, which may occur due to fluctuating conditions like ear infections but is not a distinct category of damage related to the inner ear or auditory nerve.